CAPAC Applauds HHS Proposed Rule to Improve Data Collection

Washington, D.C. – Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) applauded the new draft standards released by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for collecting and reporting data on race, ethnicity, sex, primary language, and disability status.

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-32), CAPAC Chairwoman:

“The historic passage of healthcare reform has already begun to address some of our growing healthcare challenges, and these new standards are no different. They go a long way in unmasking the healthcare disparities that exist in the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. These communities and other underserved populations will soon have a more accurate picture of their health and well-being.

“A great example of why this is needed is the story of Susan Shinigawa, a breast cancer survivor. When she found a lump in her breast, she went to see her doctor and was told that ‘Asian women don’t get breast cancer.’ The doctor advised against getting a biopsy because there was a lack of data linking breast cancer to Asian women. With these improved standards, I hope that others like Susan will not have their lives endangered by insufficient data.”

Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo (GU), CAPAC Vice Chair:

“To better address health disparities, during the 111th Congress I worked with my colleagues in the Congressional Tri-Caucus to urge the Administration to improve data collection for minority populations. The proposed standards announced today are a result of these efforts, and I commend the Obama Administration for its work in addressing health disparities in the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.”

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-9), CAPAC Healthcare Taskforce Chair:

“Improving data collection is a critical component of eliminating health disparities among Asian American and minority communities. Today’s announcement is especially encouraging as we work to preserve the gains and expand upon the notable improvements we have made with the passage of healthcare reform.”

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Background:

The improved standards add seven Asian subgroups (Chinese, Filipino, Asian Indian, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean and other Asian) and four Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander subgroups (Native Hawaiian, Guamanian or Chamorro, Samoan and other Pacific Islander). These are the same ethnic subgroup categories that are already being used for the Decennial Census and American Community Survey.

The proposed standards were required under Section 4302 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. It directed the Secretary of HHS to ensure that any federally conducted or supported health care or public health program, activity or survey collects and reports data on race, ethnicity, sex, primary language and disability status. The draft also included new standards for collecting data on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) populations.

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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently Chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.